What do you think?
Rate this book
Blindly In Love
Blind from birth, Dante is his own worst enemy.Adrift in life, Cassidi is looking for more.Both of them are looking for happiness in all the wrong places... until they meet at The Red Lair. Sparks fly and inner darkness will come to light as these two learn who they are to each other, and to themselves.
121 pages, Paperback
First published November 14, 2019
14 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 29, 2021
I really love the story's messages about disability, depression, and all the troubles that come with. It starts off with the normal setup of characters and their environment: A blind man and average woman who both live with their families and share a common interest: BDSM. Admittedly, when the first conflict of the story happened, I wasn't entirely sure what to think. A big part of that, I think, was how the author decided to portray the personality of Dante (the blind man) because it wasn't what I was expecting.
However, as the book continues, the reasons behind his cruel actions come to light in a way that I couldn't help except to love and care for him, just like Cassidi (the woman) does. Dante initially just seems like a jerk, well, because he is. Nevertheless, his behavior stems from a long history of emotional neglect (and abuse) due to a family and world who refuse to view him as anything more than the limits of his sight; and much of their views are horribly ignorant.
Cassidi, however, never shares in those views and instead sees him not just as 'any other man,' but for the man that he is personally. She goes forth to help him past his trauma and hopefully, win his heart. The hardest parts of the story are when it's clear that Dante might be a lost cause, and Cassidi struggles with understanding the destructive things he does.
It doesn't take long for everything to get intense. I'm not just talking about the sex, which for the record, there are so many HOT scenes. The way BDSM and the community thereof isn't the straight-forward Dom x Sub; it goes further into the emotions and mentalities that form both those roles as well as what lies between. It was refreshing to see a story where the dom/sub roles weren't stereotypical, yet rather explored that despite sexual preferences, every person has ups and downs, even if that means the Dom experiencing things that would normally be attributed to the Sub and vice versa.
With all this in mind, I do have my fears for how the relationship between Dante and Cassidi might become toxic. That's why I've already purchased the next two books in the series and plan to read them ASAP because I need to see if their love will bloom and their lives will change for the better, or if they'll remain in these pretty volatile roles. So yes, 'Blindly in Love' is an erotica with sex that delivers, but it also has a great storyline with wonderful learning points and relatable characters.
However, as the book continues, the reasons behind his cruel actions come to light in a way that I couldn't help except to love and care for him, just like Cassidi (the woman) does. Dante initially just seems like a jerk, well, because he is. Nevertheless, his behavior stems from a long history of emotional neglect (and abuse) due to a family and world who refuse to view him as anything more than the limits of his sight; and much of their views are horribly ignorant.
Cassidi, however, never shares in those views and instead sees him not just as 'any other man,' but for the man that he is personally. She goes forth to help him past his trauma and hopefully, win his heart. The hardest parts of the story are when it's clear that Dante might be a lost cause, and Cassidi struggles with understanding the destructive things he does.
It doesn't take long for everything to get intense. I'm not just talking about the sex, which for the record, there are so many HOT scenes. The way BDSM and the community thereof isn't the straight-forward Dom x Sub; it goes further into the emotions and mentalities that form both those roles as well as what lies between. It was refreshing to see a story where the dom/sub roles weren't stereotypical, yet rather explored that despite sexual preferences, every person has ups and downs, even if that means the Dom experiencing things that would normally be attributed to the Sub and vice versa.
With all this in mind, I do have my fears for how the relationship between Dante and Cassidi might become toxic. That's why I've already purchased the next two books in the series and plan to read them ASAP because I need to see if their love will bloom and their lives will change for the better, or if they'll remain in these pretty volatile roles. So yes, 'Blindly in Love' is an erotica with sex that delivers, but it also has a great storyline with wonderful learning points and relatable characters.
December 1, 2019
I know what I want for Christmas, and it's a ticket to the Red Lair!
Kelanie Black is back with a scorcher of a series set in the BDSM world, demonstrating once again it's the quality, not quantity, of the words that matters in delivering a tantalizing read. The writing style is succinct and smooth, the characters and narrative articulated with a natural finesse that makes the pages fly by. Cassidi and Dante make for a nuanced pair battling personal demons as well as a passionate attraction drawing them together. The narrative evades all the conventional tropes with ease, leaving the reader guessing as to what can happen next, and building the tension all the while. The diverse representation and the exploration of the main character's blindness is a refreshing and important portrayal for the genre. And when Cassidi and Dante collide, it's fiery, nonstop smoldering intensity that leaves the reader needing more.
All in all, a fantastic start to a sexy hot new series!
I received a free copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kelanie Black is back with a scorcher of a series set in the BDSM world, demonstrating once again it's the quality, not quantity, of the words that matters in delivering a tantalizing read. The writing style is succinct and smooth, the characters and narrative articulated with a natural finesse that makes the pages fly by. Cassidi and Dante make for a nuanced pair battling personal demons as well as a passionate attraction drawing them together. The narrative evades all the conventional tropes with ease, leaving the reader guessing as to what can happen next, and building the tension all the while. The diverse representation and the exploration of the main character's blindness is a refreshing and important portrayal for the genre. And when Cassidi and Dante collide, it's fiery, nonstop smoldering intensity that leaves the reader needing more.
All in all, a fantastic start to a sexy hot new series!
I received a free copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 13, 2019
I’ve been following Kelanie Black, erotica writer, for some time. In a field of literature where so many seem to write the same stories over and over, Kelanie stands out as providing a different take on things.
She has found a partnership with an editor and a book formatter, and it shows. Three fields of excellence in one package.
I usually find a few typos or instances of dodgy grammar in self-published work, but this book is clean as a whistle.
And so beautifully presented. It is a delight to read. I wish that blind Kelanie could see the text. It is gorgeous.
This marks a step up for Kelanie. Her previous stories weren’t quite as professionally presented. Not that they weren’t great fun to read in their own right, and wonderfully atmospheric, but I am certain with this story she is setting her aim higher than the typical self-published erotica.
On that note, I would hesitate to call this erotica. Sure, there’s sex and some description of body parts in action, but a marked lack of the “one-handed reading” style that marks practical erotica. If you don’t get a few minutes of fairly detailed sexual action from foreplay to afterburn, then it’s not really doing the mindjob.
What this is, is the story of a loving relationship that has its ups and downs – so to speak – and involves both parties changing their attitude to life to accommodate their partner.
It is the sort of richly-woven tale I enjoy, told in alternating viewpoint chapters as the story progresses. We see things through one character’s eyes, and then the counterpoint through those of the other.
Perhaps this is a poor way of putting it, because one of the characters is blind. Our language contains so many visual expressions that I am having trouble describing the situation in a sensitive manner. “Point of view” or “perspective” are both based on vision. Outlook? No, that’s even worse.
But you know what I mean. It’s part of the language.
As a sighted person, I find it difficult to imagine how an intimate relationship must be without sight. If I could not see the expression on the face of my beloved. the smiles, the gestures, the little visual cues I take for granted, I’d be literally groping in the dark even more than usual.
Those times of uncertainty at the beginning of a relationship. Do they really care for me, or am I just guessing? Does their face light up when they see me, as mine does when I catch sight of them walking into a room?
I suppose that the unsighted compensate in other ways. One can hear the smile in a voice. The little sighs and catches that might pass un-noticed assume a greater importance. The importance of every little touch, every nuance of expression. There is information in the non-visual environment that the unsighted mine.
And this is not a story of actions so much as emotions and thoughts. We are inside the heads of both characters, and we know their doubts, their hopes, their joys. We’re not in Jane Austen territory, but we are certainly one or two steps up from the typical erotic tale where action is everything.
There is actually quite a lot of sex in this book – in small packets – and some serious BDSM action. Family tension, a little violence, a troupe of supporting characters. It’s worth reading a second time, just to be sure what’s going on and to pick up some of the nuances that may have been missed on the first trip through.
Listed as Book One in “The Red Lair” series, Kelanie has promised us more of the same. Possibly not a continuation of the same story with the same characters, but set in the same environment. There is a tiny taster of what may be coming in subsequent stories, because one of the chapters is set in the mind of a third character, one of the staff of the BDSM club where much of the activity occurs. We’ll hear more about them, I’m sure!
Kelanie has put a lot of herself into this book, and it’s a gift gratefully appreciated by this reader. Her world is so very different from mine, but so much of what the characters feel – the joys of a new love, the stresses, the anticipation, the crushing disappointment of a hasty word or a misunderstanding – is a part of my life as well.
Kelanie takes us on an emotional ride through the minds of two very different characters in what turns out to be a spicy and satisfying story. I highly recommend Blindly in Love.
Looking forward to more in the same vein!
She has found a partnership with an editor and a book formatter, and it shows. Three fields of excellence in one package.
I usually find a few typos or instances of dodgy grammar in self-published work, but this book is clean as a whistle.
And so beautifully presented. It is a delight to read. I wish that blind Kelanie could see the text. It is gorgeous.
This marks a step up for Kelanie. Her previous stories weren’t quite as professionally presented. Not that they weren’t great fun to read in their own right, and wonderfully atmospheric, but I am certain with this story she is setting her aim higher than the typical self-published erotica.
On that note, I would hesitate to call this erotica. Sure, there’s sex and some description of body parts in action, but a marked lack of the “one-handed reading” style that marks practical erotica. If you don’t get a few minutes of fairly detailed sexual action from foreplay to afterburn, then it’s not really doing the mindjob.
What this is, is the story of a loving relationship that has its ups and downs – so to speak – and involves both parties changing their attitude to life to accommodate their partner.
It is the sort of richly-woven tale I enjoy, told in alternating viewpoint chapters as the story progresses. We see things through one character’s eyes, and then the counterpoint through those of the other.
Perhaps this is a poor way of putting it, because one of the characters is blind. Our language contains so many visual expressions that I am having trouble describing the situation in a sensitive manner. “Point of view” or “perspective” are both based on vision. Outlook? No, that’s even worse.
But you know what I mean. It’s part of the language.
As a sighted person, I find it difficult to imagine how an intimate relationship must be without sight. If I could not see the expression on the face of my beloved. the smiles, the gestures, the little visual cues I take for granted, I’d be literally groping in the dark even more than usual.
Those times of uncertainty at the beginning of a relationship. Do they really care for me, or am I just guessing? Does their face light up when they see me, as mine does when I catch sight of them walking into a room?
I suppose that the unsighted compensate in other ways. One can hear the smile in a voice. The little sighs and catches that might pass un-noticed assume a greater importance. The importance of every little touch, every nuance of expression. There is information in the non-visual environment that the unsighted mine.
And this is not a story of actions so much as emotions and thoughts. We are inside the heads of both characters, and we know their doubts, their hopes, their joys. We’re not in Jane Austen territory, but we are certainly one or two steps up from the typical erotic tale where action is everything.
There is actually quite a lot of sex in this book – in small packets – and some serious BDSM action. Family tension, a little violence, a troupe of supporting characters. It’s worth reading a second time, just to be sure what’s going on and to pick up some of the nuances that may have been missed on the first trip through.
Listed as Book One in “The Red Lair” series, Kelanie has promised us more of the same. Possibly not a continuation of the same story with the same characters, but set in the same environment. There is a tiny taster of what may be coming in subsequent stories, because one of the chapters is set in the mind of a third character, one of the staff of the BDSM club where much of the activity occurs. We’ll hear more about them, I’m sure!
Kelanie has put a lot of herself into this book, and it’s a gift gratefully appreciated by this reader. Her world is so very different from mine, but so much of what the characters feel – the joys of a new love, the stresses, the anticipation, the crushing disappointment of a hasty word or a misunderstanding – is a part of my life as well.
Kelanie takes us on an emotional ride through the minds of two very different characters in what turns out to be a spicy and satisfying story. I highly recommend Blindly in Love.
Looking forward to more in the same vein!
March 7, 2020
Much thanks to the author for providing this for me to read.
I wanted to like this book more than I did, but it was definitely a case of my preferences regarding kink/relationships than the book itself.
The book is quick and well written. It's engaging and pulls you in from the start. With such a short book each chapter is super quick and you fly through it. It's edited well and has a good pace with few, if any, slow moments, just popping out scenes left and right. You don't really get a feel for the characters, it's all about the sex and that is a good thing if that's what you're looking for.
It's good for kink fans who want a quick dose of kink that don't mind a bit of unbelievably to their stories. After all, that's what fiction is. Also good for fans of insta-love, as I don't know that I've ever seen it quicker. :)
The negatives for me, is while it's kinky, it's not BDSM, and those kinds of books I don't care for. It puts BDSM in a bad light. For many readers, especially those who just want to read about some kink, that's alright. After all, it's fiction and there's (sadly) big, popular books out there with similar themes, so if you're a fan of such books (a la 50 Shades) then you'll love this. For others, it may not be your cup of tea, like it wasn't for me. I prefer proper BDSM with all the SSC it entails.
Otherwise a cute and engaging story.
I wanted to like this book more than I did, but it was definitely a case of my preferences regarding kink/relationships than the book itself.
The book is quick and well written. It's engaging and pulls you in from the start. With such a short book each chapter is super quick and you fly through it. It's edited well and has a good pace with few, if any, slow moments, just popping out scenes left and right. You don't really get a feel for the characters, it's all about the sex and that is a good thing if that's what you're looking for.
It's good for kink fans who want a quick dose of kink that don't mind a bit of unbelievably to their stories. After all, that's what fiction is. Also good for fans of insta-love, as I don't know that I've ever seen it quicker. :)
The negatives for me, is while it's kinky, it's not BDSM, and those kinds of books I don't care for. It puts BDSM in a bad light. For many readers, especially those who just want to read about some kink, that's alright. After all, it's fiction and there's (sadly) big, popular books out there with similar themes, so if you're a fan of such books (a la 50 Shades) then you'll love this. For others, it may not be your cup of tea, like it wasn't for me. I prefer proper BDSM with all the SSC it entails.
Otherwise a cute and engaging story.
July 29, 2020
Written Review Of "Blind In Love (The Red Lair Book 1)
Available On : Amazon
Pages : 93
Language : English
Generally I Don't Read This Type Of Book But This One Really Intrigued Me. The Story Is Good But The Characterization Of The Characters Can Be Done Better.
The Story Is Short & Crips And It Keeps You Engaged Throughout The Story And You Got Hooked With It. The Story Is Told By 2 Persons Point Of View In Each Section One By One Which Gives You Perspective Of Both Person
By The Cover You Already Get To Know That Its An Adult Novel Still Reminding Again So You Know What You Have To Expect.
The Vocabulary Of The Book Is Also Good And The Language Of The Book Is Very Easy So Even If You're A Beginner You Can Read It Easily. Author Has Narrated This Story Very Nicely.
The Cover Of The Book Is Also Good And I Really Liked It And It Really Caught Your Eye On A First Look.
Overall Its An Amazing Read And I Highly Recommend This Book To All The Readers.
.
.
.
My Ratings 4/5
Available On : Amazon
Pages : 93
Language : English
Generally I Don't Read This Type Of Book But This One Really Intrigued Me. The Story Is Good But The Characterization Of The Characters Can Be Done Better.
The Story Is Short & Crips And It Keeps You Engaged Throughout The Story And You Got Hooked With It. The Story Is Told By 2 Persons Point Of View In Each Section One By One Which Gives You Perspective Of Both Person
By The Cover You Already Get To Know That Its An Adult Novel Still Reminding Again So You Know What You Have To Expect.
The Vocabulary Of The Book Is Also Good And The Language Of The Book Is Very Easy So Even If You're A Beginner You Can Read It Easily. Author Has Narrated This Story Very Nicely.
The Cover Of The Book Is Also Good And I Really Liked It And It Really Caught Your Eye On A First Look.
Overall Its An Amazing Read And I Highly Recommend This Book To All The Readers.
.
.
.
My Ratings 4/5
October 3, 2020
Book Name: Blindly In Love
Genre: Dark romance
Summary: Blind from birth, Dante is his own worst enemy.
Adrift in life, Cassidi is looking for more.
Both of them are looking for happiness in all the wrong places... until they meet at The Red Lair. Sparks fly and inner darkness will come to light as these two learn who they are to each other, and to themselves.
My Opinion: I wasn't sure of what to expect when I started this book, but to my surprise it turned out great. I am a great fan of romances but I haven't read many dark ones and definitely this is one of those books which is dark and perfect for fall, I just loved the vibe it has. It's very attractive and also so short.
Good and Bad: I loved the way themes were used, there are characters who will amaze you by their uniqueness and the carry a very unique style, each of them is different and very well brought.
My favorites from the book:
The way POVs changed, it gave a complete new look to the story which I loved so much. I really liked the way it moved so swiftly.
Target Audience: It's strictly for 18+ audience.
What to expect: Expect a deep story, dark romance, unique characters and a story which every reader needs to find behind the dark side of the book.
Final verdict: Reading it was totally a worthy experience. I really loved Dante, this book ended so good. I will surely suggest it.
Rating: 4 /5
Genre: Dark romance
Summary: Blind from birth, Dante is his own worst enemy.
Adrift in life, Cassidi is looking for more.
Both of them are looking for happiness in all the wrong places... until they meet at The Red Lair. Sparks fly and inner darkness will come to light as these two learn who they are to each other, and to themselves.
My Opinion: I wasn't sure of what to expect when I started this book, but to my surprise it turned out great. I am a great fan of romances but I haven't read many dark ones and definitely this is one of those books which is dark and perfect for fall, I just loved the vibe it has. It's very attractive and also so short.
Good and Bad: I loved the way themes were used, there are characters who will amaze you by their uniqueness and the carry a very unique style, each of them is different and very well brought.
My favorites from the book:
The way POVs changed, it gave a complete new look to the story which I loved so much. I really liked the way it moved so swiftly.
Target Audience: It's strictly for 18+ audience.
What to expect: Expect a deep story, dark romance, unique characters and a story which every reader needs to find behind the dark side of the book.
Final verdict: Reading it was totally a worthy experience. I really loved Dante, this book ended so good. I will surely suggest it.
Rating: 4 /5
September 12, 2020
The book is written well. It is entertaining and it draws you in from the beginning. Any chapter with such a short book is super easy and you pass through it. It's well shot and has a fast tempo with little, if any, sluggish moments, only the left and right scenes coming out. You just don't get a feel for the people, it's just about sex and if that's what you're aiming for, that's a nice thing.
❤️ It's good for kink fans wanting a quick dose of kink that doesn't mind their storeys a bit incredibly. That is what fiction is, after all. Also fine for insta-love lovers. It's the kind of richly-woven tale I love, told in chapters that change perspectives as the storey progresses. We see it through the eyes of one character, and then, through those of the other, the counterpoint.
Those moments of confusion before a relationship begins. Do they care about me, or am I just guessing? When they see me, does their face light up like mine when I catch sight of them coming into a room? In other ways I think the unseemly compensate. In a voice one can hear the smile. The little sighs and captures which can pass unnoticed take on a greater significance. The value of every stroke, of every hue of language.
❤️ In what turns out to be a spicy and rewarding novel, Kelanie takes us on an intense journey through the minds of two very separate characters. In Love, I highly recommend "Honestly".
❤️ It's good for kink fans wanting a quick dose of kink that doesn't mind their storeys a bit incredibly. That is what fiction is, after all. Also fine for insta-love lovers. It's the kind of richly-woven tale I love, told in chapters that change perspectives as the storey progresses. We see it through the eyes of one character, and then, through those of the other, the counterpoint.
Those moments of confusion before a relationship begins. Do they care about me, or am I just guessing? When they see me, does their face light up like mine when I catch sight of them coming into a room? In other ways I think the unseemly compensate. In a voice one can hear the smile. The little sighs and captures which can pass unnoticed take on a greater significance. The value of every stroke, of every hue of language.
❤️ In what turns out to be a spicy and rewarding novel, Kelanie takes us on an intense journey through the minds of two very separate characters. In Love, I highly recommend "Honestly".
April 2, 2020
Review originally posted at kittylishareviews.blogspot.com.
Cassidi just wants someone to love her for more than just her body or for one night.
Danti is blind from birth and feels that no one will ever love him. His family sure hasn't.
Together the go to a BDSM club called Red Lair and meet.
One night couldn't possibly lead to more when he is so messed up or could her persistence pay off?
I have to say that this is a short story that I did not enjoy. The male is pathetic and whiny. The female goes to a BDSM club looking for love and is disappointed when she is treated like a one night stand. She says she is falling in love with this man after one night and him slapping her across the face. All in all the story was gag-worthy.
I got this book at the suggestion of the author on Twitter, and I feel bad for the review and for not enjoying the book. That being said the concept of the Red Lair intrigues me, because I am a fan of BDSM. Perhaps others may enjoy this book, but there was nothing in it that appealed to me. I wish you the best if you decide to give this book a chance.
Cassidi just wants someone to love her for more than just her body or for one night.
Danti is blind from birth and feels that no one will ever love him. His family sure hasn't.
Together the go to a BDSM club called Red Lair and meet.
One night couldn't possibly lead to more when he is so messed up or could her persistence pay off?
I have to say that this is a short story that I did not enjoy. The male is pathetic and whiny. The female goes to a BDSM club looking for love and is disappointed when she is treated like a one night stand. She says she is falling in love with this man after one night and him slapping her across the face. All in all the story was gag-worthy.
I got this book at the suggestion of the author on Twitter, and I feel bad for the review and for not enjoying the book. That being said the concept of the Red Lair intrigues me, because I am a fan of BDSM. Perhaps others may enjoy this book, but there was nothing in it that appealed to me. I wish you the best if you decide to give this book a chance.
April 14, 2020
Very cute read
She is very talented. Loved the spice 🔥🔥 in this book. It’s a very story read but it’s enough to make it a great read. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
❤️❤️
She is very talented. Loved the spice 🔥🔥 in this book. It’s a very story read but it’s enough to make it a great read. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
❤️❤️
April 28, 2020
Great book. Different story than I'm used to in this genre. Cant wait to read more by her.
June 24, 2021
BIL follows the adventures of a dom, Dante, and his sub, Cassidi. They meet at a BDSM club, sparks fly, and then the sexily ever after doesn’t happen. Ops? Erotica is pretty straightforward, but there’s character growth in here, something I always like to see in a book.
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
July 10, 2021
The erotic adventures of a blind man trying to come to terms with his misogyny.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews